| Hello Beautiful Melodies,
Music. In another time and place we might call it magic. The spell it weaves can move us to the deepest depths of our emotions, conjuring any state of being. Wanna change your mood? Change your tune. Music can carry us into delight, melancholy, hope, longing, grief, celebration, power, love.
Music can time-travel us, bringing a past memory vividly alive into this now moment. It shape-shifts into wild and fierce ecstasy, the comfort of serene loving arms, and everything between the two. It can recharge us with vim and enthusiasm or lull us into peaceful sleep.
Music often becomes my backdrop to housecleaning, driving, cooking, exercising, working on a project, love making. Just for the joy of it, I’ll dance and move to a rainbow of genres. My favorite music? Anything that stirs me to move my body.
Early on during my covid-daze I realized there was something precious that had slipped away from me and my love affair with music. I’m calling it “Pure Listening”.
Pure Listening: the moments where I’ve given myself totally over to the deep intimacy that emerges between tones, melodies, rhythm, tempo and my listening-feeling-vibrating self.
Once upon a time I’d put a record on the turntable, close my eyes, and open myself to being traveled into undiscovered territory of my being. Or I’d close my eyes at a concert and give myself to the pleasure of full-body listening.
Pure Listening. Just me and the music that would wash through my being with the gift of clearing my mind and softening my body into exquisite presence.
In March, which Covid-19 impacted my life, I entered a time of unplanned sanctuary and retreat. Unplanned, but met with curiosity about the potential held in those unique days. I started Pure Listening.
In the mornings, before even getting out of bed or checking for messages, email etc, I’d put my headphones on and give myself to music. Later in the day I’d sit under the eucalyptus trees, empty myself, and invite music to re-fill me in the generous way it does.
The practice of Pure Listening once again became a cherished friend. Now I often put on my headset, get comfy, close my eyes and let this re-discovered friend have her way with me.
Wanna join me? Just for a few minutes, let the “to-do’s” go. There is no place to go. Nothing that needs to be figured out. Simply pick a piece of music you love. Put on your headphones. Get comfy and listen with your entire being, purely listening.
For the joy of it, I’ve put some of the music that’s been loving me this past week into a Dropbox for you. Enjoy!
Listening with gratitude and love,
Sharon
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